City Spotlight: South Padre Island
Most Texans think of South Padre Island as the spring break mecca from their college days, but the little resort town off the southernmost tip of Texas is plenty good as a family vacation or day trip in the summer, fall, and winter, too. The town sits on a little barrier island (a little over two square miles of land) of the same name, right above the Texas-Mexico border. Between the calm ocean waters and 34 miles of white-sand coastline, it’s hard to believe you’re still in the Lone Star State while you’re there.
Up until the 18th century, South Padre Island went by a few other names, including “la Isla Blanca,” on account of its white (“blanca”) sands, and “Isla de los Malaguitas,” after a tribe who inhabited it. After the island was settled by the Spanish in 1804, time continued to pass lazily there. For nearly 200 years, South Padre Island wasn’t much more than a small fishing village until the mid-1900s, when the Queen Isabella Causeway (a nearly 2.5-mile bridge connecting SPI to mainland Texas) was built. And just like that, this overlooked oasis became a haven for tourists.
A Day on the Island
A day on South Padre Island must begin with breakfast at Yummies Bistro. Be sure to order a Coconut Zesta (espresso with coconut milk and lime zest, and an iconic drink on SPI) along with a giant, fluffy Belgian waffle.
Next, hit the beach. It’s been ranked the No. 1 Best Beach in Texas, not only because of its pristine, clean sand (perfect for beach-bumming), but for all the great ocean activities available. From kayaking and paddleboarding, to charter boat fishing and jet skiing, to horseback riding and off-roading, and even parasailing, SPI’s beach has something for everyone.
Beyond the typical water activities, though, the shores of South Padre Island offer a few incredibly unique sights — if you know where (and when) to look.
Turtle watching: Visit SPI between mid-June and late August before dawn, and you may witness hundreds of baby sea turtles flopping toward the ocean, after conservationists (who are trying to help the dwindling species) release them. Learn where to see them here.
Bird (and gator) watching: The South Padre Island Birding, Nature Center & Alligator Sanctuary is 43 acres of wetland that’s home to all kinds of exotic egrets, herons, and more than 350 colorful species of birds. The site doubles as a sanctuary for more than 50 rescued alligators, which together form one big and broadly smiling foster family.
Dolphin watching: Several large pods of dolphins live along South Padre Island’s coast year-round. Take a cruise out to see them up close.
Rocket watching: SpaceX’s rocket launch site is only a few miles south of SPI on mainland Texas, so the beaches of SPI are sandy front-row seats come launch day. Just get there early to reserve your spot (and don’t be disappointed if the launch gets delayed).
Texas has more than 350 miles of Gulf shoreline to explore. Here’s absolutely everything you need to know about making the most of every beach in Texas.
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